INEC, Parties Meet Saturday to Take Final Decision on Election Dates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will today meet with the 36 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and the political parties as part of consultations to enable the commission take a decision on whether to retain the dates for the general election or pick new dates.

Also, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe friday in Abuja absolved President Goodluck Jonathan of allegations of pressuring the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega to shift the dates of the general election.

Jega had as part of the consultation directed by the National Council of State, met with all national commissioners Thursday night and Friday morning.

A statement by Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, said Jega was invited to the NCS meeting where he made presentations on the “Preparations for the 2015 General Elections: Progress Report” and that the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Armed Services Chiefs also briefed the Council on the current security situation.

Idowu said: “As a follow-up to that meeting, the commission has scheduled a consultative meeting with chairmen and secretaries of all registered political parties, as well as a meeting with the RECs today, February 7, 2015.

"Thereafter, the Commission will address a press conference to brief the nation on its decision with regard to whether or not the general elections will hold as currently scheduled. (Thisdaylive)